Thursday, 29 January 2009

These are some pieces from my latest batch out of the kiln. They look quite ordinary and nothing special - yet. These Totem pendants came about from a mistake. I made one in my kiln many moons ago and thought it looked quite ugly. So I thought, what would make it pretty - I tried wire wrapping and hey presto - the Totem pendant was born. They really do look nice once they are wire wrapped. The wire really enhances the beauty of dichroic glass. Here are some Totem pendants and Labyrinth pendants once they have been wire wrapped:

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

This is my new workshop tool - the Dremel 300 series. It's a great little tool for doing all sorts of jobs, such as drilling, grinding, polishing, cutting. I will use it more for polishing my new range of jewellery. I will shortly be making fine silver pendants and adding some dichroic glass cabochons. The creations will then go into my kiln to be fired and annealed. I have recently been asked to create some hearts from fine silver so they can sell for valentines and add to their handmade silver collection. I am also in the process of being registered with the Assay Office in Edinburgh to enable me to sell my fine silver. If fine silver is over 7.78gm in weight, it is mandatory for the pieces to be hallmarked. The Assay Office will also be creating a makers punch for my future creations. This is really exciting.

Once I get practicing with the fine silver, I will post some photos here. Watch this space!!Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Monday, 19 January 2009

I have been featured on cuteable.com as they are having a huge giveaway and I sent one of my dichroic glass pendants to add to their basket (shown above). Anyone can enter the giveaway, you just need to leave a comment on the appropriate post, click here to have a go:

Saturday, 17 January 2009

I will be attending the Aviemore Trade Show in April as an exhibitor. The show takes place at The Highland Resort (MacDonald Hotel) on Sunday 26th April, Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th. Aviemore Trade Show is a three day trade only event for buyers to meet Scottish makers in the art, craft and gift sectors. The show has proved that it is ideally timed to place orders for the summer season. All exhibitors live and work in Scotland - http://www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk/

I'm looking forward to it, but aprehensive at the same time as it's the first trade show I will have done. I'm now in the process of designing new items and thinking about layout of my stand. I'm thinking of it so much, that it is also causing sleepless nights.

I also decided to do some homework beforehand, so I will be attending Scotland's Trade Fair at the SECC, Glasgow. This takes place on Sunday 25th January - Tuesday 27th January (inclusive). I will be able to look around the stands and see what other exhibitors make and how they dress their stands.

Friday, 9 January 2009

I have listed some dichroic glass jewellery to my website as sale items. Grab yourself a bargain now. I have listed dichroic glass pendants and earrings. Each item is an exclusive one-off design. I have also added sterling silver chains and plated chains for those who would like to buy chains. Click and paste the link below into your browser, alternatively, click on my website link top right hand corner of this blog. This will take you to my sale items:http://www.lazydaisyglass.co.uk/page_1231535542309.html

Thursday, 8 January 2009

That's what they tell us, week after week - it could only be the Inland Revenue.

I never seem to have time to do our tax returns (mine and OH) until January because of my working and mummy commitments, so after the new year the panic starts. I'm usually such a laid back character and takes things in ones own stride, but alas, when the Inland Revenue starts a calling, I just seem to turn into a quivering wreck. After sorting all the receipts and writing down figures, I started on the online form. After two hours of constant 'X ERROR' messages, blood boiling and many sleepless nights, I decided I had to call the Inland Revenue. The first call told me I had to speak to the technical IT helpline, they then told me it was a tax issue (which I suspected - user error ie., me) - the technical tax officer finally informed me that the error messages I kept getting was down to a technical problem their end. WHAT. After pulling my hair out for two hours the previous night, they casually state this problem. Believe me, tax is taxing! Anyway, I happily got past a couple of screens, only to be met with technical questions on loss adjustments - blah, blah, blah. I have to say that last year's paper form was a lot easier. Another phone call followed with a helpful, friendly and funny (yes, I did say funny) chap helping me and voila - all done (well mine anyway).

All I can say is, I slept like a baby last night!! (with the help of good ol spicey rum - purely medicial purposes).

I told my hubby last night that I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. He even helped with sorting his receipts out last night - I think he felt sorry for me, I don't usually get any help!

Life feels a lot better today and will be completing his return today - his is less complicated than mine.

Can't wait to start 'proper' work again and get the kiln going with some new creations. I have lots of ideas in my head and have been sketching new designs down so I don't forget them. As they say - watch this space.Kathryn, Lazy Daisy